Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[Helene Dakesh]

"No. They make this one look more girlish when this one tries."

[Tethras Clan]

"That can happen, yes," Zevran allows. "I know a few styles that could be more... ambiguous, if you'd like. Especially with the right vest and slacks. Hmmm. Perhaps... have you ever worn fashion glasses? A nice, heavy-looking frame would add a nice counter touch to braids."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one tried, but... This one did not know how to create the desired effect."

[Tethras Clan]

"Well, now you have the services of not just a Madame but an entire flock of lovelies that would be delighted to assist you in creating any look you so desire. And many you are unaware of existing as yet." Zevran grins a little. "Ah, I think the water is about to boil- do you have tea leaves or...?" Wouldn't be the first time I had boiled water for supper...

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one has tea," they confirm. "This one also can make soup or, this one believes there is some coffee. This one did not care much for it."

[Tethras Clan]

"Either drink is fine and soul is very welcome. I'm afraid the supplies we brought were all still downstairs," Zevran says sadly, thinking of the lovely, lovely curry the chef had packed them. And the rosemary and thyme flatbread.

[Helene Dakesh]

"The greatest loss of the evening," she mourns. "I will prepare soup."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene hadn't uttered a word in three days. 

The first day had been mostly taken up with the storm. The second, after they had awoken, they had mostly spent alone; there were hushed conversations and frightened looks, but Helene wasn't consulted, was instead coddled and fed broth  and fussed over. Not that they could answer, anyway. They tried, but the words all got tangled up and stuck inside them and they wouldn't come out.

The third day was when the Ray came to see them, to examine them closely and determine if they had a terrible head injury or something. Helene wasn't told how the examination went; the Ray came, the Ray asked a series of questions and cast some spells, and the Ray left. Now, nearly an hour later, as the Grower returned, Helene looked up, hopeful that at last someone would explain what was happening...

[NPCs]

"Hello child," Grower Lothan says gently as she takes a seat on the bed near Helene's feet. "How are you doing this morning?" No head injuries, no curses or toxins. She's just... mute. I had truly hoped Ray Danis would have answers but... alas, he had only a suggestion. One I feel ashamed for considering so... quickly, so... with so much interest.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene definitely hears the Grower; they turn, tilting their head towards her, as if to signal that they are listening, but they utter no sound. 

[NPCs]

"How are you feeling?" Lothan presses, then sighs. "Can you... lift your right hand for okay, left for in pain?" I truly do not wish to do this if she cannot communicate at all but... I am running out of options and ideas faster than...

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene stares at their lap, silent, deep inside their own mind. Finally, their right hand twitches upward, just a bit. 

[NPCs]

"Good! That's good. I'm glad you're feeling... mostly okay at least," she says with warmth, though perhaps a touch less than she would have a week ago. "I... I see you're still not up for talking?" Lothan waits a few seconds but at the lack of response, sighs and then continues. "Ray Danis said that he was unable to discover any... physical injuries that would account for your... non-responsiveness."

[Helene Dakesh]

Something is wrong with me. Something is wrong with me. The sick certainty seems to fill their brain, gumming up the works, blocking the words from coming out. They nod, ever so slightly. This is not fixable. This is not physical. This is a malfunction. My soul was damaged. This life is damaged.

[NPCs]

"He... he did have something of an idea," Grower Lothan continues, voice forcibly bright and upbeat. "It's... well, this is a small village. We don't really... we can handle your mundane injuries, minor illnesses. But you need... more than that. He's a circuit priest and he'll be heading back to Draslina soon. He offered to escort you there, to the temple of Alydra. It... we hope that you might... Well, they might be able to help you."